Stereoselective Desymmetrization of gem-Diborylalkanes by “Trifluorination”

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/chem.201901267

An efficient and general method for the chemoselective synthesis of unsymmetrical gem-diborylalkanes is reported. This method is based on a late-stage desymmetrization through nucleophilic “trifluorination”, providing chiral gem-diborylalkanes bearing a trifluoroborate group. The reaction offers a highly modular and diastereoselective approach towards the synthesis of gem-diborylcyclopropanes. The utility of the gem-diborylalkane building blocks was demonstrated by selective post-functionalization of the trifluoroborate group. These functionalizations include inter- and intra- Pd-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions.